The Rhetorical Analysis Of Christopher Morley's 'On Laziness'

In a general sense, irony is a rhetorical device that is characterized by incongruity in the real situation and what is expected. The deliberate use of irony, especially in literary works and speeches, is used to emphasize a point. It is a language that in some of its forms understates facts, denies the contrary of the truth, or states the opposite of the truth. In all it’s forms, it elicits a similar effect to the audience. There

In her essay, she utilizes irony to add a sarcastic tone in her essay, making the essay more enjoyable for readers to read. An example of this is the use of computer jargon to explain why the pencil is the better tool. Laing states how “the software of a pencil is both cheap and simple” (332) and how you can “render it

Yelling “oh great!” after failing a test demonstrates one example. Someone wouldn’t really be happy about that; the irony is being overly positive about a negative occurrence. When the author writes, “you’re a game hunter not a philosopher, who cares how the jaguar feels” (Connell 18), and when Rainsford becomes the “Jaguar” later it is a little ironic. Connell wanted us to think about how a jaguar feels, and why they would be talking about that. When it came to the part in the story where he was being hunted, the readers think back to where the jaguar is mentioned and might think how that was ironic. The author was effective at showing irony. Another example of irony is, “ ‘...you’ll have a cocktail, Mr. Rainsford,’ he suggested” (Connell 22). He wanted the audience to think about how General Zaroff was being overly nice to a stranger he just met, but then, all of a sudden, changed into a psychopath, a murderer who hunts people for fun. The author made the reader believe Zaroff was generous and kind, and Rainsford probably believed it too. Zaroff acted this way to get Rainsford’s trust, so he could set him free and hunt him

Irony is used in many different types of texts for the purpose of teaching us a lesson. We experience irony in our lives through our own encounters as well as through texts and media. There are three types of irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic. Each type has a way of teaching us an important lesson, although some are more common than others. In the Poem “The Old Man’s Lazy” by Peter Blue Cloud, irony is used throughout the text, allowing us to learn from the characters’ mistakes.

Christopher Morley conveyed in "On Laziness" that "We have always secretly envied our lazy friends. Now we are going to join them." He utilizes a chiasmus and an allusion to ironically demonstrate that it would be in everyone's best interest to embrace a lazy lifestyle. These devices effectively show us the flawed reasoning behind views opposing his own. This convinces readers to accept Morley's underlying suggestion that being slothful isn't actually beneficial to us.

This essay presents the argument that instead of keeping a busy life, we should live a carefree and relaxed life instead. The busyness that overtakes our lives often comes subconsciously, which we submit to, without even realizing it ourselves. This supports Kreider’s claims that busyness is a “trap”. He also points out that once it has begun to overtake our lives, we begin to accept it and are led to believe that there is no way to avoid it. Once we start to believe that busyness is an unavoidable part of life, then we fall into the “busy trap.” The author also encourages the audience to avoid a busy lifestyle giving several reasons why a relaxed lifestyle is more ideal. The author also challenges the audience to avoid busyness and to strive towards a less stressful lifestyle.

While, “ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them.” Eliot uses the word “ingenious” sarcastically to communicate that these philosophers are poorly mistaken. The author instead believes that these technological advancements are destroying mankind’s time for leisure. In modern society, “even idleness is eager now- eager for amusement.” The author argues that even in times of idleness, there is no relaxation in modern society because people always strive to be entertained. Eliot exclaims, “Fine old Leisure! Do not be severe upon him, and judge him by our modern standard.” The author is of the opinion that Old Leisure is just “fine” the way he is, and should not be compared to New Leisure, whose time is filled and life is rushed.

Notwithstanding the self-centered connotation of my statement, I believe I have the best hobby in the world. There is, in a matter of fact, no other activity in which I show such devotement and passion as this one. If I could get paid for accomplishing it, I would be an impressively hardworking employee. Nevertheless, I would never feel like I would work. Literally. Because that is what my avocation is defined by, not working. To my mind, procrastinating is undoubtedly the most relaxing occupation ever created, since it simply consists in turning our backs to any labor, effort or responsibilities. However, its positive effects on one’s mind aren’t the only advantages it brings to a person. Actually, I can strongly state that it drastically improves one’s academics. In Gerald Graff’s article Hidden Intellectualism, the author explains how his passion, American football, has as well developed his intellect. He indeed describes it as “full of challenging arguments, debates, problems for analysis, and intricate statistics” (398). So how can procrastination as passion improve one’s work-ethics? Some advocates of early and well organized working would argue that procrastinating only leads to educational delay and that laziness is a vice that should be banned in our society. However, these romantic critics are too dogmatic in their provincial ideology. Procrastinating is extremely beneficial to our studies in a large variety of ways. To begin, it stimulates our imagination.

Thinking about it now makes me realize my mistakes. I neglected the fact that laziness is an addiction and in order to keep being lazy, I became dishonest so i can avoid the consequences. This reminded me of the story neapolitan

Most of the time, verbal irony is used in a somewhat sarcastic way. An obvious example of this is the guard saying he will take Madame Schacter to the hospital, but he will most likely kill her. This is known because of the amount of killing rather than helping that happened during this time. Another example that, in contrast, is not sarcastic is in the beginning when Elie’s father states, “The yellow star? So what? It’s not lethal…” (11). This is irony because he did, in fact, die from the star as it marked him for collection by the Germans. They also said the war would not affect them, but

Irony is when you say one thing, yet mean another. This is a very popular device that writers use when creating satire and often used when exploring more momentous topics. Popular writer Mark Twain who is well-known for his effective use of satire often uses irony in his very prevailing yet controversial novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In this historic novel Mark Twain uses irony to mock slavery and the society surrounding it. An example from the novel is when Huck throws salt over his left shoulder in the hopes to ward off back luck. This is ironic because previously to Huck throwing salt over his shoulder he was mocking Tom Sawyer for his ridiculous beliefs yet he believes throwing salt will get rid of any bad mojo. Twain's use of irony not only is criticizing Huck for that but also the whole society during this time, many individuals in this novel have controversial beliefs and somewhat go against their own. Jonathan Swift a very famous satirist and essayist exceedingly known for “Gulliver’s Travels” and “ A Modest Proposal” also uses irony along with Mark Twain. Irony permeates through Swifts legendary essay “ A Modest Proposal”. This essay has to do with overpopulation in Ireland and in Jonathan Swift words “ For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the publick.”. Swift mocks this idea and completely blows it out of proportion by basically saying let's fatten these children up, eat the children, or we could just put them on the market. Although Swift has amazing examples of irony throughout his

Authors use irony in literature in order to give double meanings and make it more interesting to the reader. In the play “ The Death of a Salesman” Arthur Miller uses irony as a strong writing technique in order to express the character's behavior. In “The Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller moments of situational and dramatic irony helps to illustrate the story's theme in which Willy is a man trying yo achieve the American dream, however he have created a world of illusion.

Specific Purpose: When we procrastinate and put things off, it reflects how inefficient we are in every aspect of our lives.

The problem of laziness stems not just from a daily physical laziness but also from a spiritual lack. In medieval times little was known about the world and technology was just developed enough to allow survival. They had to work hard just to survive and the only thing that sustained them was their faith in higher powers.

“I’ll stop procrastinating…Tomorrow.” This is a mindset that is possessed by a majority of students today. Although putting off writing that English paper until the night before it is due may not seem like a big deal, it has many harmful effects. In fact, what better topic is there for that English paper? Very few are spared from the epidemic known as procrastination. Even less overcome this issue. In order to successfully defeat procrastination, we must first understand it.